Rye High School Celebrates Class of 2026 at 95th Commencement Ceremony

Rye High School celebrated the Class of 2026 during its 95th commencement ceremony at Nugent Stadium on June 18, recognizing the achievements, growth and contributions of the graduating class before an audience of family members, friends, faculty, staff, administrators and Board of Education members.
 

Principal Andrew Hara welcomed the graduates, reflecting on their accomplishments across academics, athletics, the arts and community service. He encouraged the students to remember that their greatest impact will be measured by how they make others feel valued, included and supported.
 

The ceremony featured several student performances. Eliza Chai opened the evening with a performance of the national anthem, accompanied by American Sign Language performers Alexandra DellaSalla, Margaret Derman, Alexandra Huen, Phoebe Lee, Charlotte Lincoln, Abigail May and Melisa Pirinccioglu. In addition, Leah Arus, Hunter Gillies and Samuel Surak performed “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus, while Fiona Green and Lucas Gordon performed a duet of “That’s Life” by Frank Sinatra. The ceremony also included a traditional Latin Oration delivered by Carson Miller, Greta Murdoch and Sloane Paul on behalf of the senior class.
 

The attendees heard remarks from Board of Education President Jane Anderson, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tricia Murray, Senior Orator Caroline Bartlett, salutatorian David Singer and valedictorian Grace Wang.
 

In her address, Dr. Murray praised the graduates for demonstrating leadership, resilience, compassion and service throughout their time at Rye High School. She encouraged them to embrace reflection as they prepare for future opportunities and challenges.
 

“The graduates sitting before us tonight are ready, not because they have everything figured out, but because they have learned how to think, how to adapt, how to grow and how to reflect,” Dr. Murray said. “That is the foundation of lifelong learning and the spirit of The Rye Commitment.”
 

Bartlett reflected on the friendships, experiences and lessons that have shaped the Class of 2026. Encouraging her classmates to appreciate the present moment and trust themselves through life’s uncertainties, she shared the personal advice that has guided her own journey: “Never have a doubt.”
 

Singer focused on the supportive nature of the Rye community, describing it as the “bubble” that helped students thrive academically, socially and personally.
 

“Our bubble will burst, and over the next couple months we will take our own unique journeys,” Singer said. “However, even when the bubble pops the foundation that created the bubble never changes. We will never leave the bubble; it will always find its way back to us.”

Wang reflected on the people and experiences that have shaped her life, comparing them to pieces of a mosaic that continues to evolve over time. Drawing from memories of family, friendship and community, she encouraged her classmates to embrace the next chapter while carrying those experiences with them.
 

“Let’s embrace this transition as another fleeting moment in the making,” Wang said. “Class of 2026, the version of you that walked these halls, that stumbled and grew and laughed breathlessly, they don’t disappear when you cross this stage. That version is irreplaceable, so take every piece of it with you.”
 

Signifying the conclusion of one chapter and the beginning of another, the graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas, which were presented by Board of Education President Jane Anderson. After moving their tassels, members of the Class of 2026 celebrated the milestone with family, friends and faculty.